Tough perennials like coneflowers and liatris are other possibilities. Bublitz has found deer-resistant native plants work well. She also recommends using junipers and other evergreens. "Most dogs hate juniper," she says, even though wildlife love it for winter cover, nest sites and food. Thorny plants will also deter dogs. "Usually one little poke and they leave it alone," Bublitz says. Anything with weak stems will probably be trampled by dogs, says Martini. In her demonstration garden, she places decorative stakes around fragile flowers. Bublitz often uses cobble to keep pets away from delicate plants. This large round rock is very awkward for dogs to walk on. Her favorite pet barrier combines cobble, a retaining wall and thorny bushes.